Ramblings of an Emergency Physician in Texas

Archives for February 25, 2011

The health care industry’s toothless tiger finally bared its teeth, as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a $4.3 m fine to a Maryland health care provider for violations of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The action is the first monetary fine issued since the Act was passed in 1996.

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A copy of a penalty notice against Cignet depicts a two year effort in which HHS struggled with what appears to be a dysfunctional Maryland provider unaware of the potential impact of HIPAA non compliance, and unwilling or unable to cooperate with HHS in any way.

So, Shadowfax, of Movin’ Meat fame, is having his head shaved (again) to raise money for childrens’ cancer research. Yeah, he’s a squishy lib and subject to bouts of poli-hackery, but he’s a decent guy and nearly as good a blogger as I. (Heh).

It’s a good cause by a good guy, so please consider getting over to his site and giving a couple of bucks.